This section covers toy lines which may be compatible with
the G.I. Joe universe.
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Other 3 3/4" Toy Lines |
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"The Corps!"
(Lanard) |
Probably the only real competition out there.
Whilst initially starting off as poor imitators, with lacklustre
sculpting and oversized heads and chests, Lanard have actually developed
this into a very interesting toyline, thanks to its wonderful diversity,
and imaginative re-use of molds especially in a time when G.I. JOE had
dissappeared.. |
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Street Fighter 2
(Hasbro)
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Initially incorporated into the Joe world, the first
series of figures and vehicles were repaints of Joe molds, with newly
sculpted heads. The packaging and toys had some reminder of G.I. Joe,
and was also featured in the US and UK Joe catalogues.
The Second series of figures came on completely redesigned cards, and
figure packaging (showed them in action poses) with no reference to G.I.
Joe, but again most reused old Joe molds. This "Movie" series
featured a mini-subset of Guiles, in different uniforms ( a Kenner
influence no doubt), and some nicely redone characters with what appears
to be new molds, e.g. Chun Li, General Bison. |
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Mortal Kombat
(Hasbro)
|
Also made by Hasbro, reusing G.I. Joe Molds of figures and
vehicles, although like the last series of Street Fighter the packaging
has no G.I. Joe associations. Two series were made. The second series
was "Movie Edition",based on the first movie, which aside from
being repaints of the first series, also introduced new molds, some
taken from unreleased G.I. Joes e.g. Tsang was made from the unreleased
Ninja Force Flint!
A third series was made which followed the cartoon series, and was
produced by Toy Island. They again reused the first series of figures,
but NOT in 3 3/4", instead they produced 1:1 figures from the 2-ups
molds, e.g. 7 1/2" figures. A vehicle was released alongside this,
which was Toy Island's Robocop Humvee car (this mold would later be
retooled by Lanard to produce a better scaled vehicle for 3 3/4"
figs). |
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Johnny Quest
(Galoob)
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Whilst this line is quite dead, it had
enjoyed a brief burst onto toy shelves at a time of G.I. JOE's demise.
Featuring figures which were slightly smaller than Joes (3 1/2"),
and mechanically completely different (a similar format used by
Playmate's 3" ExoSquad Line), it had some really great civilian
vehicles, which fitted most Joes well e.g. Jeep, Submarine. And since
Hasbro now owns Galoob, very little chance of ever resurfacing. |
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Bronze Bombers
(Olmec)
|
An African American company, Olmec had licensed Joe
molds for use in its toy line. The figures
comprise recoloured Cobra & Joe Vehicle drivers in some with
new head sculpts. These figures also surfaced around Joe's demise, and
were actually made with better plastic than the 97/98 collections. A
nice addition of alternatively camouflaged cobra drivers, and a better
version of Darklon. |
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Defenders of the World
(Remco)
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Produced in the late eighties to try and cash
in on G.I.Joe's huge sucess, this set of figures and mini-vehicles, were
a cheap alternative in every sense.. |
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Soldier Force
(Halsall)
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Presently Produced by Halsall/ Chap Mei these 4"
figures, have awesome sculpting, a great selection of vehicles and
playsets, but with Star Wars-like maneuverability. Usually found in
discount stores both in the UK and USA for as little as £1 each. These
figures are themed to either Military, Police or Space exploration. |
M P.A.C.T.
(Toy Max)
|
Toy Max produced these figures which were
tooled like the G.I. Joe Ninja Force Snake Eyes/Scarlett figures e.g. No
O-ring. This was a worldwide team who were up against the evil
"Shatter Force". These figures main selling points were there
talking back-packs (produced before G.I.Joe's), and which were also
smaller. The other accessories, and even some body parts seem to be
borrowed from Hasbro's Joe line. A sports car, small helicopter, and
headquarters were also available. |
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Adventure Man
(FunMaker/Magic)
|
This line of figures was identical to Toy Max's
M PACT, but was released on different cards, or sold as box sets. There
may be variation in colours of figures. |
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Boot leg figures
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Figures designed to mimick G.I. Joe, and yet
fail miserably. Most came with weapons or body parts that were
"borrowed" from G.I.Joes. (could this explain Hasbro's missing
molds?) |